Police Arrest Officer for Tear Gas Incident During Voting

An officer deployed by the Osun State Police Command was arrested for accidentally discharging tear gas at a Registration Area Centre (RAC) in Modakeke Ward 10, Ife East Local Government Area. This incident occurred contrary to social media claims that the tear gas was aimed at voters at a polling unit.

A viral video depicted the officer discharging the tear gas, with a narrator alleging that it was done without provocation. The Osun Police Command stated that the officer was attempting to ease himself when the tear gas was discharged, labeling the conduct as “highly condemnable” and below the expected standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

The command emphasized that officers on election duty are prohibited from carrying arms within a certain radius of polling units and dismissed claims that the incident aimed to prevent eligible voters from exercising their rights as “false and misleading.” The police apologized to affected citizens and stakeholders and confirmed that the officer would face disciplinary action in line with Nigeria Police Force regulations.